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MTG players often enjoy tribal tactics — who hasn't constructed an elf deck before? — while the new Avatar: The Last Airbender Universes Beyond set brings back two beloved examples which align seamlessly to its flavor.

Returning Tribal Abilities

One first ability, called "Ally," was introduced in the Zendikar set and provides boosts each time more permanents with the Ally type enter the battlefield.

On the other hand, "Shrines" represents an enchantment-based subtype which originated with Kamigawa. While not creature-based tribe, Shrines also become abilities when you controls more Shrines on the battlefield.

The Comeback for Allies Ability

Although Shrine cards have been appeared sporadically across recent releases, the Ally subtype was far less common — but this ends with Avatar: The Last Airbender, where this feature gets prominently used.

Aang must recruit numerous companions during the journey to bring back peace across the four nations, and there's no more fitting way to represent that in a Magic expansion.

Exclusive Cards Preview

After the initial set announcement, below is a look at one Allies and one Shrines card from the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: The Fan-Favorite Figure

This character is a popular minor character in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple following his home was destroyed by a flood, an event that rendered him unable to walk.

Due to his father's prowess in mechanics, Teo can fly in the air with a flying device, and challenges the Avatar to a flying race.

The card Teo, Spirited Glider represents Teo's fondness of the skies and his tribe's reliance of flying machines through letting the player loot each time you attack with an airborne unit, while additionally boosting your team via +1/+1 counters at the same time.

Northern Air Temple: A Strong Shrine Enchantment

Regarding his home, it appears in a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on how many Shrine cards you control.

It furthermore drains one more point anytime a Shrine enters the battlefield.

This looks like a powerful addition, considering the card's low mana cost plus valuable ETB ability.

A major drawback for Shrine-based decks in formats besides EDH is that these cards are typically legendary permanents, however Northern Air Temple can be effective in combination with Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which drains all opponents at the beginning of your main phase.

The Welcome Collaboration

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been receiving significant backlash by the community, an iconic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender could be precisely what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period is already here, and all cards will be launched on Nov. 21.